A huge blaze has caused severe traffic on the A27 after emergency services shut a main coast road.

Firefighters battling a blaze at an industrial estate near Littlehampton shut the A259 so more fire engines could respond to the scene.

More than 45,000 nearby homes have been told to shut their windows and doors amid fears dangerous smoke could pose a risk to people living in the area.

Read our live coverage: Updates as smoke billows into sky from raging fire

Cars are instead being diverted onto the A27 through Arundel causing lengthy delays in both directions - with motorists reporting hold-ups 30 minutes long.

Two miles of the A259 Grevatt's Lane and Worm's Lane are shut by police while the firefighting effort continues.

The emergency services said the road is likely to remain closed for some time.

Among those affected are passengers hoping to travel between Littlehampton and Seaford on the Stagecoach 700 bus.

A spokesman for the bus company said it cannot run services between Flansham and Littlehampton. They advised passengers to catch a 500 bus towards Chichester and make changes there.

The fire started at the Arun Waste Services tip in the Bairds Business Park, Climping, this morning with smoke being spotted for miles in every direction.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 10.20am we received multiple 999 calls reporting a large fire at Grevatts Lane, Climping.

The scene of the fire from aboveThe scene of the fire from above (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

"We currently have eight fire engines, two water carriers and an aerial ladder platform responding to the incident.

"People who live nearby are urged to keep their doors and windows closed due to the amount of smoke in the area."

The Argus understands the number of fire engines has since increased to more than ten with crews coming from across the region.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Firefighters are still dealing with the significant fire at a waste services site in Grevatts Lane, Climping. However, the number of resources we have at the site will begin to be scaled back shortly.

"One large building full of recycling and plant machinery was fully involved in the fire. Fire crews are continuing to work hard to bring it under control.

"The smoke plume is now dissipating, but if residents can see or smell smoke, they must stay inside and keep their doors and windows shut.

"The A259 at Grevatts Lane will remain closed for some time, so please avoid the area and use alternative routes. Residents can be assured that we are working hard to re-open this major A-road, and this remains a priority for our teams dealing with the incident.

"The cause of the fire will be investigated when it is safe to do so."